Orthotics Technician

This program is no longer accepting applications.

Orthotic and Prosthetic (O&P) technicians assist the disabled by fabricating the orthopedic braces (orthoses) and artificial limbs (prostheses) necessary for their rehabilitation. O and P technicians are trained and skilled to provide comprehensive O and P technical support services and possess the knowledge to interact with clinical prosthetists and orthotists. Providing orthotic and prosthetic care involves the application of clinical and technical processes to meet patient rehabilitation objectives.

The Orthotics and Prosthetics program at Francis Tuttle provides a comprehensive education in each discipline. Curriculum is designed to introduce an entry-level student to the fundamentals of orthotic and prosthetic equipment and materials. Thereafter, the student will acquire knowledge in polymer processes, strength of materials, and applied biomechanical principles to develop and totally customize an orthosis (brace) or prosthesis (artificial limb). A student may choose to enroll in the Orthotics Technician and/or Prosthetics Technician career major.

Upon completion of each discipline, students will receive a certificate of completion. The academic requirements differ for Certificates for Orthotics Technician and Prosthetics Technician. Graduates of both the Orthotics and Prosthetics Technician career major(s) are eligible to take the associated national certification exam given by the American Board for Certification (ABC). Those who pass are registered by the board as a Certified Technician in Orthotics – CTO or Certified Technician in Prosthetics. Exam application is through ABC www.abcop.org.

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At A Glance

Open To

Adults

Campus

Rockwell Campus Center Building, Health Science Center

Total Hours Required

1,300 hours

Length

Full-time: 10.5 months of instruction

Part-time: 21 months of instruction

Times

Full-time students attend from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, seven and one-half (7.5) hours per day for theory and laboratory classes. Clinical hours vary according to the site, but are usually eight (8) hours per day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Part-time students may enroll for three and three quarters (3.75) hours per day, Monday through Thursday. Clinical rotations are usually eight (8) hours per day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Student Resources

Textbook Info

Courses

Human Anatomy & Physiology 102 hours
O&P Equipment and Materials 130 hours
Lower Limb Orthotics 455 hours
Spinal Orthotics 258 hours
Upper Limb Orthotics 135 hours
Clinical Orthotics 220 hours

Tuition & Costs

Costs for In-State Adult Students

Licensure / Certifications

Certified Technician in Orthotics (CTO) - $300.00

Tuition & Fees

In-State Tuition - $2,860
Application Fee: $15 (non-refundable)

Textbooks, Supplies, and Certifications (Estimated)

Textbooks - $385
Uniforms - $200
Physical Exam and Immunizations - $200
Background Check - $19
Drug Testing - $50

Total Estimated Costs for In-State Adult Students

In-State Adult Students - $3,729

This career major is available for Financial Aid
Financial Aid Information

With instructor approval, Francis Tuttle will pay the application and exam fees for the Certified Technician in Orthotics credential.

Costs for Out-of-State Adult Students

Licensure / Certifications

Certified Technician in Orthotics (CTO) - $300

Tuition & Fees

Out-of-State Tuition - $5,720
Application Fee: $15 (non-refundable)

Textbooks, Supplies, and Certifications (Estimated)

Textbooks - $385
Uniforms - $200
Physical Exam and Immunizations - $200
Background Check - $19
Drug Testing - $50

Total Estimated Costs for Out-of-State Adult Students

Out-of-State Adult Students - $6,589

This career major is available for Financial Aid
Financial Aid Information

With instructor approval, Francis Tuttle will pay the application and exam fees for the Certified Technician in Orthotics credential.

Employment & Outcomes

Salary Range

$15.00-$34.62 (average = $23.12)

per hour

Pass Rate

79%

completion

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of this program are qualified to work for:

Private orthotics and prosthetics (O and P) facilities, O and P rehabilitation facilities, O and P labs in Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals, O and P facilities within acute care hospitals, O and P central fabrication facilities